Electric signal



1930- M. F. ALDER 1,784,326

ELECTRIC S IGNAL Filed Sept. 9, 1926,

Inventor MZZarV/n fl/ q By g wd Attorney Patented Dec. 9,1930

MARVIN F. ALDER, or rinenanen, KENTUCKY ELECTRIC swivel.

Application filed September 9', 1926.. Sena-1 no. 134,464.

This inventionrelates to an improved electrical signal device for use upon railway rolling stock.

hat I aim todo is to eliminate the customary method of train-men signalling to engine-men by means of the well-known hand signalling system. While this signalling system is satisfactory under some conditions, it is entirely unsatisfactory and unsafe under other conditions. For instance, where freight trains are concerned and Where there are a multiplicity of cars coupled together, it is almost impossible for train-men to signal the engine-men when the cars are rounding a curve in the track or going through a tunnel. The result fis that the signals fail and accidents occur. 7

The present invention is directed to a simple and inexpensive means of employing an electric signalling system which extends from one end of the train to the other and which cooperates directly with the customary air hose coupling forming a part of all railway equipment. Briefly, what I propose to do is to either make the coupling members of rust proof electricity conducting material, or to take the ordinary coupling member and to coat them with bronze or some similar material to render them capable of conducting electricity, and then connecting electricity conducting wires therewith, so that when the tWo coupling members on the confronting ends ofcars are brought together, an electrical connection is made between the cars.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a. side elevation showing the coupling members engaged with the electrical means associated therewith,

Fig. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the coupling members showing the electrical connection more in detail.

In the drawings the reference characters 1 and 2 designate the coupling members each of which includes a body 3. The body is of conventionalconfiguration and since its shape forms no part of the invention and is well known, no detailed description of the same will be given. It may be stated, however, that as usual the body is provided with a connection 4 by means of which the customary rubber or fabric hose;(n0tshoWn) is con- "neat-ed.

As before stated the coupling members may be made of brass, bronze, or other rust-proof and electricity conducting material, or they may be simply coated with an electricity conducting material, the latter method being less costly. The reference character 5 designates an electrical conductor for one car and the reference character 6 designates a complemental conductor of an adjoining car. In each instance the insulating casing of the wire is cut away at one end to bare the core as at 7 in Fig. 2 and the core is welded in or otherwise connected to a tubular projection T on the coupling member as indicated at 8.

The outstanding feature of the invention is in the association of the electrical conductors with the customary air-hose coupling heads which form a part of all modern railway cars. The advantage in this is that a positive electrical connection is assured, it being remembered that under ordinary conditions the air lines operate under some seventy pounds pressure. Consequently, since the coupling members are firmly held together under such pressure, it is obvious that a good electrical connection is had substantially under all conditions. Then, too, the rubber hose acts as an insulator, insulating the electricity current 8 from the rest of the car. However, the frame and wheels together with the rails are utilized in forming a ground for return of the electric current in an obvious manner. Another advantage is that once the device is installed, it is a permanent part of, the sys tem, and there is absolutely nothing to get out of order, no wires to burn out, no fuses to blow, and in addition, it is absolutely foolproof and will not affect any of the other working parts of the train. Then, too, it will be obvious that when the air coupling is made, an electrical connection is simultaneously made, thus saving time and labor and rendering the device highly desirable and inexpensive. These and other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the foregoing description and drawing.

'lclaimz" V A hollow coupling head having an exposed surface of material that is rust-proof and is a good conductor of electricity and also hav ing at an intermediate point on its top an exterior integral tubular projection disposed at rightangles to the length ofthe head and further having a tubular projection at one 7 end, in combination with a conducting wire a w and an insulating casing on said wire; said Wire and casing coi-ledabout the tubular end projection and arranged to surrounda rubber hose' onsaid projection, and said wire and casing being arranged exteriorly of the coufiling head and a bared portion of 'said wire 7 ingldisposed at right angles to the length I of the head and welded in said exterior transiverse tubular projection.v

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature.

MARVINEALDERV 5, a I j, 

